Revision as of 14:04, 16 March 2012

The view from Ravello of the bay below

Ravello is a town and commune in Salerno, Italy. A peaceful area with a small population, Ravello offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit their renowned gardens, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and their spectacular Duomo, the Cathedral of Ravello, which is located in Vescovado Square. During summer months the city hosts the annual Ravello Festival, an event started in 1953 in honor of Richard Wagner and continued as a celebration of local art and music.

Contents

Get in

Ravello is located in the hills above Amalfi. If you arrive by bus or boat from another city and plan on staying late for a concert, you will need to arrange return transportation. Your hotel should be able to arrange a car and driver to get you back to your hotel. This is a pricey option although it may be your only choice. The nearest airport is Napoli-Capodichino International Airport, and for trains you'll have to go to Salerno.

By bus

You can reach Ravello by taking the prevalent SITA buses that run throughout the Amalfi Coast between the cities of Salerno, Positano, Sorrento. You will disembark at the city of Amalfi and from there you can either take a different SITA bus up the hill or walk to Ravello.

SITA buses are air-conditioned and are an excellent alternative to cars when traveling the Amalfi coast. The city-to-city SITA buses are inexpensive but can become very crowded during the high traffic summer seasons. Check the bus schedule for times.

By boat

The closest point for Ravello with boat and ferry arrivals is Amalfi, which shuttle between the coastal towns of Positano, Salerno, Sorrento or Naples. In good weather, the views are spectacular from the water. Coop Sant Andrea [1] run the service between Amalfi, Salerno and Positano. For private and luxury charters, Amalfi Coast Yacht [2] are based in Amalfi, service the entire coast and specialise in transferring guests who are staying in Ravello's five-star retreats.

By car

Ravello is accessible by car, although cars are not allowed into Ravello proper and there is only one parking lot near the main square.

The main highways in this region that traverse the Amalfi Coast are SS145, SS163, and SS373. Continue on Via Castiglione to arrive at Ravello.

Get around

The small town of Ravello is easily explored on foot. SITA buses run frequently between Ravello and Amalfi (which is the main bus terminal on the Amalfi Coast for connections) and taxis are available near the main bus stop in Ravello.

See

Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone, via Santa Chiara, 26, ☎+39 089 857459 (info@villacimbrone.com, fax: +39 089 857777), [3]. Public gardens are open daily 9 AM-sunset. €6. Culture, tradition, and beauty intersect at Villa Cimbrone, the most spectacular hotel and public garden on the Amalfi Coast. The Villa is reached by a narrow pedestrian road and is situated on a cliff known as “cimbronium,” which gives the Villa its name. Before becoming a hotel and a site for weddings, conventions, and other events, the grounds were passed down from one influential family to another since the 11th century. It became apart of a nearby monastery around the 17th century and eventually fell into disrepair. In 1904, a British baron named Ernest William Beckett fell in love with the villa and purchased it with plans to renovate the grounds. With the help from Ravello architect Nicola Mansi and a French botanist, Beckett added the Villa’s garden, small temples, gazebos, and bronze and stone statues.

Villa Cimbrone, an exterior view.

The Villa has attracted many famous admirers, including E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, and Winston Churchill. Hollywood actress Greta Garbo and conductor Leopold Stokowski had a famous romantic getaway on its grounds in 1938. A stroll through the estate will reveal poetic inscriptions found on plaques and numerous replicas of Roman busts. One attraction is a statue of Mercury, the Roman messenger god, who invites visitors to a few moments of introspection. Another sight to see is the Terrace of Infinity, a serene location that sits high above a sheer cliff facing the ocean.

Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo, Piazza Duomo, 1, ☎+39 089 857621 (info@villarufolo.it), [4]. Summer hours: 9 AM-8PM; Winter hours: 9AM-4PM. €5. Villa Rufolo is a palatial Moorish-style estate that was originally built in the 1270 for the Rufolo family. It is situated in Ravello’s main square and is a ten-minute walk from Villa Combrone. The Villa Rufolo is comprised of a main building that adjoins a chapel with a reception hall and an entrance tower. The tower, known as the Torre Maggiore, is 30 metres high and was once used to spot pirate ships arriving to the Amalfi coast. The estate overlooks the Bay of Salerno and its upper terrace gardens contain cypress trees, cycads, yuccas and palms. The Villa remained with the Rufolo family until they sold it in 1588. Thereafter, the Villa slowly fell into disrepair due to earthquakes, negligence, and property subdivisions. Almost three centuries later it was finally restored by its new owner, a Scottish botanist named Francis Neville Reid.

In 1880, a trip to Villa Rufolo’s garden inspired German composer Robert Wagner to write the second act of his final opera, Parsifal. Every summer since 1952, Villa Rufolo hosts the Ravello Music Festival, an open-air concert held in Wagner’s honor.

The Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza Duomo. 8AM-1PM, 4:30PM-7PM. €2. Duomo is Ravello’s cathedral, which is located in the town’s main square. Founded in 1086, the entrance of the Arabic-inspired church features two bronze doors that picture the 54 scenes of Christ’s life. These bronze doors are one pair of only two dozen in Italy. Inside, the cathedral's interior is made of sculpted white marble. Visitors can climb behind the altar to get a look of vials that contains St. Pantaleone’s holy blood or see a fragment of St. Thomas’ finger bone. In the crypt, the cathedral’s two-room museum features a third century sarcophagus, marble slabs decorated with mosaics, and a reliquary bust that holds the skull of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and miners.

Do

Cruises

Down in Amalfi, you can take a full-day Amalfi Coast to Capri Boat Excursion[5], which departs everyday from Amalfi, Minori and Maiori. It includes village sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast as well as a chance to check out wondrous marine caves, grottos and rock formations. You'll circle Capri, then dock and spend three hours exploring the island. Don't forget your swimsuit, because the day will wrap up with a swim in the Mediterranean. A ticket costs €79, and advance booking is strongly encouraged. Or If you're short on time, opt for the half-day Amalfi Coast to Positano Boat Tours[6], with departures in the morning or the afternoon. You'll see marine caves and grottos, and you'll pass by the towns of Ravello, Maiori, Amalfi, Minori, Scala, Praiano, taking a two hour stop in Positano. A ticket is €49, and advance booking is strongly encouraged.

Cooking courses

Cooking Class with Mamma Agata, Piazza S. Cosma 9, ☎+39 089 857 019, [7]. Talented and experienced chef Mamma Agata hosts this class in a state-of-the-art kitchen on her terrace overlooking Ravello. You will learn all about the art of homestyle Italian cooking, from growing organic vegetables to serving a beautiful meal. Following expert demonstrations, you'll use regional ingredients to make traditional dishes including antipasti, pastas, breads, main courses and desserts. After class, share your meal with your classmates while enjoying local wines and homemade liquors from the Amalfi region. €140-€210.

Cooking Class with Vincenzino, ☎+39 089 858 416, [8]. Chef Vincenzino runs a cooking school from his home in Ravello. To kick off your culinary experience, he'll guide you through the the historic alleys of Ravello, visiting the local food shops. You'll meet the merchants and learn how the locals choose their fish, pasta, vegetables, and wines. Later, at Vincenzino's clifftop home, where you'll prepare a lunchtime feast, served (weather permitting) on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The day starts around 9-10am and ends following your meal in the afternoon. You can purchase the class through Wagner Tours.€150.

Other activities

The Ravello Concert Society[9] offers concerts in the evening. The concerts are usually outdoors, weather permitting. Tickets can be obtained in person or through arrangements with your hotel and cost around €25. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the artistic culture of Ravello.

The Ravello Festival[10] one of Italy's oldest festivals, is an extensive offering of musical and dance performances, film screenings, art exhibits and more. It runs from June to September, with most performances on an impressive open air stage at Villa Rufalo. Events are also held at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues around Ravello.

If you like to walk or hike, discover Ravello's pathways, trails and serpentine stairs carved into the hillsides. You can wind your way down along the Via Roma to Minori, taking in stunning views of the valley below. The incline is pretty steep, but you can take a bus back up to Ravello from Minori. The towns of Amalfi, Atrani, Scala, and Pontone are just an hour or two's beautiful hike down. Print out a trail map of Ravello to take with you. [11].

A hillside view from Ravello.

Buy

Ceramic plates on display in Ravello, Italy.

Small boutiques and outdoor markets abound in Ravello. The town has long been famous for attracting artists and craftsmen, and this is reflected in the handmade items available for sale. Many shops will ship your purchases home - but beware of your own country's customs procedures first! Because Customs will charge you money to check and search your purchase at their major custom's hub when it arrives from Italy and will only release your package (ceramic table top, dinner set etc) when you pay the customs import costs. And this can go into the thousands as it is calculated by weight.

Camo, Piazza Duomo, 9 (Piazza Vescovado,next to the church), ☎+39 089 857461. Ravello is home to Camo, a cameo store with a museum located directly behind it so that you can get a dose of the history that goes into this intricately carved jewelry.

Wine & Drugs, Via Ss. Trinita 6, ☎+39 089 858443‎. The small town is also known for its wine. A small shop, Wine and Drugs, often lures travelers in with its curious sign and keeps them for an impromptu wine tasti

I Giardini di Ravello, Via Civita 19, ☎+39.089.872264, [14]. Buy limoncello and other gourmet liqueurs flavored with herbs and fruits like fennel and strawberry at this establishment dedicated to products made by local artisans.

Profumi della Costiera, Via Trinitá 37, ☎+39.089.858167. Another shop in town that sells both limoncello and melon and strawberry-infused liqueurs. All products are made with local ingredients according to traditional recipes.

Filo d'Autore Ravello, Via trinità 8, ☎+39089858467, [15]. A new cashmere shop where you can find total Made in Italy quality. Sweaters, scarfs, hats and more.. You can choose sizes and colours directly in the shop. "Service" is the key word of the staff.

Boutique Paolina, via Roma 26 (25 meters from the main square piazza Duomo), [16]. Offers ceramics for 25 years in professional quality

Eat

A typical dish of veal.

Food in Ravello is characterised by fresh, flavourful ingredients prepared by chefs who are passionate about their country's cuisine and determined to provide an authentic, welcoming eating experience. Be prepared for long, personal talks with your server, and for the owner to come out and greet you with open arms!

Cumpa Cosimo, Via Roma 44, ☎+39 089 857 156. Closed November to March. A family-owned restaurant since 1929, this is a local favourite serving up delicious pasta dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Specialities include cheese crepes, fish stew and veal scaloppini, although chef/owner Netta Bottone has been known to throw the menu out of the window and surprise guests with her on-the-spot creations. Past patrons include Jackie Onassis, Mariah Carey and Gore Vidal. $$.

Ristorante Bella Vista sul Mare, Piazza Fontana Moresca 5, [17]. Inside the 4-star Hotel Bonadies, Ristorante Bella Vista sul Mare serves up fresh, authentic Mediterranean cuisine along with local specialities. For those who are not particularly hungry, there is also a snack menu to choose from. Enjoy a glass of wine in front of the stunning views from the restaurant and veranda.$$.

Mamma Agata, Piazza S. Cosma 9, ☎+39 089 857 019, [18]. Home to the famous Mamma Agata Cooking School, this beautiful space also houses the Country Garden Restaurant, where the tables are communal and the food is unique. The tasting menu is drawn from the local traditions of Campania, as is the music which plays throughout, making this dining experience impossible to replicate.

Salvatore, Via della Repubbliche 2, ☎+39 089 857 227. Salvatore is situated in the heart of Ravello, with amazing views of the hills and the seas. The seafood is a speciality here, with carpaccio of sea bass a particular favourite, but there is also an extensive pasta menu and many meat dishes (in fact, this is probably not the place for vegetarians). The wine list can be a little overwhelming, but the waiter is always on hand to help uncertain diners choose.

Rossellinis, Via San Giovanni del Toro 27, ☎+39 089 818 181. Closed from November to March. Located on the terraces of the Hotel Palazzo Sasso, Rossellinis has been awarded 2 Michelin stars. The true way to experience Chef Pino Lavarra’s Italian cuisine is to try the eight-course tasting menu, including such delights as giant squid ravioli and lamb filet wrapped in rose crust. Service is respectful and attentive.

Ristorante Garden, Via Bocaccio 4, ☎+39 089 857 226, [19]. Offering mainly traditional Southern Italian cuisine, this restaurant is located inside the Hotel Garden atop the high mountainside of Ravello. The food is fresh, culled from the local fishermen, butchers and bakers and the nearby farms. Although the pasta dishes in particular are worth trying, it is the spectacular view from the hillside that draws tourists to this spot.

Figli di Papa, Via della Marra 7, ☎+39 089 858 302, [20]. Figli di Papa is located inside an ancient palace off the main square of Ravello and offers an extensive selection of pasta, meat, fish and vegetable entrees. The food is fresh and prepared according to local recipes, and is carefully presented to satisfy all the senses.

Drink

Ravello's respected local wines must not be missed.

The vineyards that cling to the hillsides below Ravello primarily produce white wines; two local DOC white wines of note are Vigna San Lorenzo from the Episcopio winery at the Hotel Palumbo and Selva delle Monache from the Ettore Sammarco winery, both located in town. To sample the area wines, make sure to tour a local winery, either independently or through a tour company. Those travelers looking for something a little stronger should visit the bars located in Ravello's luxury hotels and enjoy a cocktail in high style. Espresso and other coffee drinks can be found in cafes near the town center.

Wine Tasting

Episcopio Winery at the Hotel Palumbo, Via S. Giovanni del Toro 16, ☎+39.089.857244 (reception@hotelpalumbo.it), [21]. The Episcopio winery, on the grounds of the Hotel Palumbo, was established in 1860 by the hotel's founder, Pasquale Palumbo, and is overseen today by his great-grandson. Over the years, many of Ravello's famous visitors, including Richard Wagner, have enjoyed the quality whites and reds that these beautiful terraced vineyards have produced. Tours of the winery are available, or you can relax with a glass at the hotel bar, where you can rub elbows with the ghosts of past celebrities and look out at the sea in an old world Mediterranean atmosphere.

Casa Vinicola Ettore Sammarco, Via Civita 9, ☎+39.089.872774 (info@ettoresammarco.it), [22]. Ettore Sammarco and his children run this small but respected winery, in business since 1962. Wines, such as the DOC-designated Selva delle Monache, are produced from grapes grown exclusively in Ravello. Visitors to the winery may now purchase wine and limoncello made onsite.

Wine Tasting at Mamma Agata's, Piazza S. Cosma 9, ☎+39.089.857019 (info@mammaagata.com), [23]. Gennaro, the resident sommelier at Mamma Agata's cooking school and restaurant, leads an evening wine tasting in which three local wines are paired with traditional foods. Like the cooking classes, a wine tasting experience at Mamma Agata's has received rave reviews from travelers.

Marisa Cuomo Gran Furor Winery, Via G.B. Lama 14, 84010 Furore, ☎+39.089.830348 (info@granfuror.it), [24]. The best-known winery on the Amalfi coast is located in Furore, just north of Ravello. Several of the wines from this family estate, run by Marisa Cuomo and her husband, Andrea Ferraioli, have won numerous awards and honors, among them the Ravello Bianco, produced from a blend of two varietals grown only in Ravello. Be sure to try the 2007 Bianco Fiorduva, which won the coveted Tre Bicchieri award, the highest honor given to wines in Italy.

Sleep

Budget

Auditorium Rooms Ravello – Via Crocelle, 23 - 84010 Ravello (Sa), Italy [28]. Telephone +39 339 4182233. The Le Moran is a four star hotel of Milan. The Auditorium Rooms bed and breakfast of the Amalfi Coast is located close to the main square of Ravello. Two double rooms with air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, high-speed internet connection and a terrace with a panoramic view of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

Hotel Parsifal, Viale Gioacchino d'Anna 5, ☎(+39) 089 857144 (info@hotelparsifal.com), [29]. This hotel is a small oasis of tranquility set in the magical hamlet of Ravello. Hotel Parsifal was originally a convent built in 1288 by the Augustinian friars and then converted into a hotel in 1948. The welcoming family atmosphere exudes warmth as you are met upon arrival by the helpful staff. A variety of room-views to choose from: the Amalfi coastline, the valley, the convent cloister, or their gardens.Budget.

Hotel Villa San Michele (3 star hotel), Via Carusiello 2, ☎(+39) 089 872 237 (smichele@starnet.it, fax: (+39) 089 872 237), [30]. Villa San Michele is a quaint hotel with cliff-face terraces. This hotel houses a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant (menu specialties spotlight local fish and seafood) with a wraparound view. The eatery along with the stairway down to sundeck on the sea has put this storybook hotel on the map so-to-speak. Each room is furnished differently, and all but one of the rooms has sea views and a private balcony. Rooms have many desired comforts such as a direct dial telephone, satellite TV, minibar, and bathrooms with shower.Budget.

Mid range

Best Western Hotel Marmorata, Via Bizantina 3, ☎(+39) 089 877777 (bwinfo@bestwestern.it, fax: (+39) 089 851189), [31]. This hotel is literally cut into a cliff over the ocean and next to a dramatic waterfall. Rooms have a sea view, some with Jacuzzi, and all with safe deposit box, minibar and satellite TV. Hotel offers: Restaurants, private beach area, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, internet point and services for children and babies.Mid-range.

Hotel Bonadies, Piazza Fontana Moresca 5, ☎(+39) 089 857918 (info@hotelbonadies.it, fax: (+39) 089 858570), [32]. Previously considered somewhat rustic by Amalfi-coast standards, this hotel has been undergoing a makeover with new additions to come. Currently offering double-rooms and suites available with telephone, satellite TV and terrace, while five suites have a sea view and Jacuzzi. Hotel offers: Restaurant, solarium and swimming pool with hydro massage.Mid-range.

Hotel Graal, Via della Repubblica 8, ☎(+39) 089 857222 (info@hotelgraal.it). This modern hotel (originally built in 1967) is located in the center of the historic town of Ravello and just a few kilometres from the beach. Though not 'luxe' the rooms are clean, spacious, and quiet and have features such as a satellite TV and minibar while some rooms have superb sea views. Hotel offers: Restaurants and swimming pool. The "Buffet Breakfast" served in one of their two restaurants is a nice touch for jet-lagged and weary travelers.Mid-range.

Hotel Rufolo, Via San Francesco 1, ☎(+39) 089 857133 (info@hotelrufolo.it, fax: (+39) 089 857935), [35]. Conveniently located, since it is situated in the historic centre near Villa Rufolo. Rooms and suites with a view of the glittering Mediterranean or of their famous Villa Rufolo gardens. Rooms and suites have a safe, satellite TV, telephone and minibar. Hotel offers: Panoramic restaurant, swimming pool, beauty center, and internet point.Mid-range.

Hotel Villa Maria, Via Trinità 14, ☎(+39) 089 857255 (villamaria@villamaria.it, fax: (+39) 089 857071), [37]. Nestled in the historic center between the Clarisse nunnery and S. Francis Convent, this hotel's restaurant draws from its kitchen gardens for a cornucopia of dishes. The cozy rooms are simple, bright and airy drawing from the fresh breeze of the mountains of Ravello high above the Mediterranean. Many of the rooms have a private balcony while all have telephone, satellite TV, minibar, and safe-deposit box. Perks: This hotel Villa Maria is adjacent to Hotel Giordano and Villa Eva -- guests of each hotel has the use of the services of the other two hotels, while the Travel Agency "Wagner Tours" is owned by the same proprietor and is also easily accessible and a helpful resource to hotel guests.Mid-range.

Hotel Palumbo, Via San Giovanni del Toro 16 84010 Ravello (SA) Italy, ☎(+39) 089 857244 (reception@hotelpalumbo.it, fax: (+39) 089 858133), [40]. Travel in time to this luxurious historical palace-turned hotel that has been declared a national monument. Much of the original medieval building preserved the Palazzo Confalone with other architectural and decorative elements added in the 17th century. Each room is decorated differently with antique decor and balconies with a view. This grand hotel even holds its own family winery “Cantina Episcopio”--the year 2010 will mark this winery’s 150th anniversary. Perks: Evening concerts. Hotel offers: Restaurant, private path to the beach and lovely landscaped gardens.Splurge.

Get out

Nearby destinations include:

Amalfi: This is the heart of the magnificent Amalfi coast and a beautiful seaside setting. Home to the Duomo di Amalfi and a once strong maritime republic. Visit the Chiostro del Paradise, a famous graveyard dating back to the 1200s that also houses ornate statues and columns.

Positano: A city marked by fragrant citrus groves and brilliant white buildings stacked in tiers on the cliffs of the Amalfi coast. Positano offers lovely beaches, historic architecture and spectacular views.

Sorrento: Partake from a wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops. The town showcases striking architecture, and is a stop on the Circumvesuviana railway—a perfect diversion before visiting other locations such as Pompeii and Ercolano.

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